Design & Technology
It is our aim to equip young people with the skills necessary to take a proactive role in society. Pupils build their knowledge and confidence by creating innovative solutions to identified problems, considering both practical and aesthetic needs. Students will have an understanding of the impact that social, economic and environmental issues have on us and the worldwide community.
In Years 9 & 10 students who have chosen to specialise in D&T continue to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills through a wide range of practical tasks. The specialist materials taught are woods, metals, plastics, paper & boards but students are also introduced to electronics, textiles, CAD/CAM, systems & control and smart & modern materials.
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Year 9 Projects |
Materials |
Practical Focus |
Folder Focus |
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Linkage Toy & Blister Pack
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MDF, Card, Polythene sheet |
Cutting and enhancing MDF/Vacuum forming
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Woods Theory /Mechanisms/ Legislation/ Purpose of Packaging/ Information on Packaging/2D Design/plastics theory |
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Key Hooks
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Softwood & hardwood |
Inlaying/Finishing Techniques |
Quick sketching/fixtures & fittings/Finishes/Health & safety/Google SketchUp |
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Bridge Build
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Paper & Straws |
Teamwork/Constraints
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Structures/Tolerances/Mechanical & Physical properties/data analysis |
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Chocolate Packaging |
Card
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Teamwork/Manufacturing in Quantity/Quality Control
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Jigs/Templates/Formers/Manufacturing in Quantity/Production lines/Boards theory/Design Movements |
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Storage box/cabinet |
MDF/Perspex/ Acrylic
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Wood joints/fixtures & fittings/CAD CAM/layering acrylic
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Client profile/3D Drawing/Orthographic Projection/Materials ordering/Knock down fittings/exploded views |
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Year 10 Projects |
Materials |
Practical Focus |
Folder Focus |
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Pewter rings & packaging |
Pewter/Styrofoam/Neoprene / Microfibre cloth
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Casting/CAD CAM
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Metals theory/Printing processes/Special printing effects/Fabrics theory/Anthropometrics/ Ergonomics
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Upcycled clock |
MDF/Mechanism/student sourced materials |
Combining materials
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Sustainability/Modern & Composite Materials/Adhesives
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Pop-up Cards |
Card/Smart Materials
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Cutting and assembly of cards and boards |
Card Mechanisms/SMART materials |
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Computer Control & Electronics |
Electronic components. Microbit accessories
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Creating sequence diagrams for computer control. Soldering |
Basic circuits and components. Microbit. |
Please click here to see examples of student work.
Considering a career in Design or Engineering? Click here to find out more information about our 'A' Level course in D&T.
Students start their Year 11 coursework at the end of Year 10, when the design briefs are released by the board. We use AQA for our examining board, specification: Design & Technology (8552)
Assessment criteria:
NEA (Non-Examination Assessment) 100 marks 50% of GCSE grade
Students produce a practical piece with a supporting folder of work. Students may specialise in the material of their choice when making their product. The majority of work is done within lesson time but aspects of the folder work may be completed at home. Folder work is completed electronically on a PowerPoint.
Written Examination (2 hours) 100 marks 50% of GCSE grade
A mixture of multiple choice, short answer, design and drawing tasks and extended answer questions, based on the core skills and knowledge, materials specialism and the design and make principles.
Useful websites:
http://www.technologystudent.com/
http://www.mr-dt.com/materials/main.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/resistantmaterials/
http://manufacturing.stanford.edu/
http://www.neok12.com/Industry.htm
http://www.teachers-direct.co.uk/resources/quiz-busters/subjects/Design-and-Technology.aspx
http://www.the-warren.org/GCSERevision/resistantmaterials/GCSR%20Resistant%20Materials%20Quizzes.htm
AQA past papers and marks schemes can also be found on the Student Share (M) drive.
